How much does it cost to run a side-by-side refrigerator?
A side-by-side refrigerator costs about 32¢ a day, $9.74 a month and $117 a year at typical use (650 kWh a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Side-by-side models of 22-28 cu ft with through-door ice and water typically use 600-750 kWh a year, about 15-25% more than a top-freezer of similar capacity.
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Cost to run a side-by-side refrigerator in every state
The same side-by-side refrigerator costs $80 a year in North Dakota and $283 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | $6.67 | $80 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | $6.85 | $82 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | $6.97 | $84 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | $7.04 | $84 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | $7.22 | $87 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $7.24 | $87 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | $7.27 | $87 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | $7.34 | $88 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | $7.42 | $89 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | $7.50 | $90 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | $7.54 | $90 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | $7.56 | $91 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $7.59 | $91 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | $7.65 | $92 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | $7.65 | $92 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | $7.69 | $92 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | $8.00 | $96 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $8.00 | $96 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | $8.17 | $98 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $8.19 | $98 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | $8.30 | $100 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $8.34 | $100 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $8.34 | $100 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | $8.38 | $101 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | $8.40 | $101 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | $8.47 | $102 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $8.65 | $104 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | $8.79 | $105 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | $8.91 | $107 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | $8.93 | $107 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $8.98 | $108 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | $9.18 | $110 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | $9.64 | $116 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | $9.89 | $119 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | $10.15 | $122 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $10.18 | $122 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $11.21 | $135 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | $11.39 | $137 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | $11.40 | $137 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $12.88 | $155 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | $12.89 | $155 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | $13.11 | $157 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | $14.45 | $173 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | $14.54 | $175 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | $15.16 | $182 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $15.38 | $185 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | $15.85 | $190 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | $15.88 | $191 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $16.48 | $198 |
| California | 32.99¢ | $17.87 | $214 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $23.57 | $283 |
Most efficient side-by-side refrigerator models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (10.7–14.5 cu ft), out of 4,334 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $21 a year to run. The least efficient costs $95. Same size, $75 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Capacity | kWh/yr | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liebherr | W5250 +1 variant | 13.1 | 114 | $21 | Amazon |
| Fisher & Paykel | RS2484V*2K1 | 13.3 | 118 | $21 | Amazon |
| Monogram | ZIW241NBW**** | 13.4 | 118 | $21 | Amazon |
| Fisher & Paykel | RS24SH*E* | 12.6 | 124 | $22 | Amazon |
| Fisher & Paykel | RS2474S3**# | 10.8 | 152 | $27 | Amazon |
| Liebherr | MW 2400 +2 variants | 11.3 | 170 | $31 | Amazon |
| Signature Kitchen Suite | SKSCW241** | 13.6 | 175 | $31 | Amazon |
| SKS | SKSCW241** | 13.6 | 175 | $31 | Amazon |
| Fhiaba | S240FW3U +1 variant | 12.3 | 177 | $32 | Amazon |
| JennAir | JBWFNL24RX +1 variant | 12.3 | 177 | $32 | Amazon |
Yearly cost from the official annual energy use and 17.99¢/kWh. Look up any model in the calculator with “Look up my exact model”. Source: ENERGY STAR, updated 2026-10-21. Amazon links search for the exact model; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to cut the cost
- Use the through-door ice and water dispenser instead of opening the door; it cuts warm-air intrusion.
- Turn off the door-mounted ice maker if you rarely use ice; the ice maker heater and fill cycle add 50-100 kWh a year.
- Keep the freezer at least two-thirds full; frozen mass holds the cold and cuts compressor cycling.
- Clean the condenser coils at the bottom front grille twice a year.
- Set the fridge to 37°F and freezer to 0°F rather than the coldest setting.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Bottom-freezer models without through-door ice typically use 100-200 kWh a year less than a side-by-side.
See options on AmazonConfirms the fridge isn't set colder than 37°F, which wastes energy.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side refrigerator | 180 | 650 kWh a year | $9.74 | $117 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 500 kWh a year | $7.50 | $90 |
| French door refrigerator | 170 | 630 kWh a year | $9.44 | $113 |
| Old refrigerator | 250 | 1,000 kWh a year | $14.99 | $180 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 250 kWh a year | $3.75 | $45 |
| Garage refrigerator | 200 | 800 kWh a year | $11.99 | $144 |
| Upright freezer | 150 | 450 kWh a year | $6.75 | $81 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a side-by-side refrigerator per hour?
A side-by-side refrigerator is usually measured per year rather than per hour. It uses about 650 kWh a year, which works out to 32¢ a day.
How much does it cost to run a side-by-side refrigerator per month?
At typical use (650 kWh a year), a side-by-side refrigerator costs about $9.74 a month and $117 a year, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a side-by-side refrigerator use?
Most side-by-side refrigerators use 130 to 280 watts. Starting surge can reach 900 W. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a side-by-side refrigerator use?
About 1.78 kWh a day and 650 kWh a year at typical use (650 kWh a year).
Does a side-by-side refrigerator use a lot of electricity?
It's a moderate load: 650 kWh a year is about 6% of the average U.S. home's yearly use.
Is it cheaper to run a side-by-side refrigerator or a refrigerator?
At typical use, a side-by-side refrigerator costs about $117 a year versus $90 for a refrigerator. So the refrigerator is cheaper by about $27 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a side-by-side refrigerator?
- Use the through-door ice and water dispenser instead of opening the door; it cuts warm-air intrusion.
- Turn off the door-mounted ice maker if you rarely use ice; the ice maker heater and fill cycle add 50-100 kWh a year.
- Keep the freezer at least two-thirds full; frozen mass holds the cold and cuts compressor cycling.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.